From the PrinciPal: Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

BishoP montgomery high school

DecemBer 2014Parent newsletter

5430 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503(310) 540 - 2021 www.bmhs-la.org Dear Parents,

The holiday season here at Bishop Montgomery is always very special, marked by our students’ many acts of generosity. There is no doubt that our students open themselves to God’s grace and in turn become instruments of that grace. Because of their endless generosity, there are many, many contributions to families and children in need and so our students become powerful witnesses to prayer and service. They make a difference not only in our immediate community but to many communities outside of ours. You have taught them well. Thank you.

December, though short because of Christmas break, is a busy month. Our students are faced with balancing their responsibilities with the expectations of the holiday, and this is certainly no easy task, as we all well know. It is so important to remind them to stay focused academically, particularly now, since semester exams are scheduled beginning Monday, December 15th through Wednesday, December 17th, prior to Christmas break. We all want them to do very well!

I hope that you are planning to attend the Mothers’ Club Christmas Luncheon, the club’s main fundraiser, on Saturday, December 5th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Judy Tolin, President, deserves thanks for all of her hard work as do all of the members of the Mothers’ Club. Their hard work and dedication makes this event possible as well as so many other school programs which they so generously support. The mothers’ hard work, dedication, and love for Bishop Montgomery are an inspiration. Whatever they do, they do so well, and with such grace. We owe them so many thanks.

By now you’ve received my letter about the Queen of Angels Tuition Assistance Fund. Beginning December 24th, Christmas Eve, through January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus there will be lights in the trees outside my office to represent all of the donors to the fund. My promise is that our school community will hold each one of those donors who are signified by a light as well as their intentions in our prayers. This is such a small way to say thank you for each and every gift, every one of them a miracle and life-changing. When you come to school or you drive by and see the lights, I hope that you will remember to say a prayer for our donors—our angels—who contributed to the fund.

Finally, as we all prepare during Advent for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, my prayer is that we, like Mary, make ourselves ready to say yes to God. May we, like Mary, have the courage to open our hearts to God’s grace and so become His instruments for good in every area of our lives. My prayer is that we, like Mary, hear God’s call to holiness, that we discern His mission for us, and that we live that mission even if we don’t know where that mission will lead us. My prayer is that we, like Mary, are as prepared as she was to receive God’s greatest gift, His Son.

I hope that you each find time during this Advent season to be alone and to pray. That is a gift. I hope, too, that you find time as a family to pray and to celebrate together. That is also a gift.

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

From the PrinciPal:Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal

I end this letter with an excerpt from a letter written by a friar, Giovanni Giocondo, in 1523 on Christmas Eve to his friend. It is a lovely meditation on the many surprises God has in store for us—if we will only look and really see. I hope it says as much to you as it does to me.

Remember that life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven in love by wisdom with power. Welcome the gift, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you—as Mary’s did. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, a duty, a joy, believe me that angel’s hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of the overshadowing presence of God. Remember, your joys too conceal divine gifts. Be ready to receive it.

Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Rosemary LibbonPrincipal

guiDance & curriculum: Ms. Yvette Vigón-Morffi - Vice Principal - ext. 231 Mrs. Casey Dunn - Guidance/Studies Coordinator - ext. 226

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, our seniors are nearing their application deadlines for the two state university systems. Both the University of California and California State University systems require that freshman applicants for the fall 2015 term submit no later than November 30.

For both the UC and CSU applications, the college preparatory classes offered at Bishop Montgomery are organized by category type and simply need to be selected from a dropdown menu.

Students should not underestimate the importance of a clean, accurate, and mistake-free application, regardless of the college or university they are applying to. We strongly encourage our students to bring their questions to our attention, open their applications online so we may review them, and have us read their essays before choosing a final draft. When students apply to a given school, they should not add any additional work for the review committee or make the review process more time consuming. If you could also encourage your child to make counselor appointments and drop in to see us before or after school, you will help us better carry out our responsibilities.

The Cal Grant program is designed to help California high school graduates who demonstrate financial need (through the FAFSA) obtain grant (money that does not have to be repaid) funds for college. The program is not limited to four-year colleges and universities or public colleges and universities. Electronic submission for Cal Grant GPA verifications is the preferred method. We will submit all of the GPA verifications electronically this year for all of our students. If you do not have a social security number on file with our Registrar, Mrs. Martinez, we will be unable to submit the Cal Grant GPA verification. Please make sure that we have a social security number on file.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for students who wish to receive financial aid from a given college or university. The online applications may be accessed at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Similar to the college application process, the electronic application is the preferred method of submission. Before starting the FAFSA, both you and your child will need to apply for a Personal Identification Number that will be used as the parent and student electronic signatures. PIN’s may be obtained from the website http://www.pin.ed.gov/. The average processing time for receiving your PIN is 10 working days. The PIN e-mail message should be delivered to your inbox immediately. However, in some instances these e-mail messages are perceived as unsolicited mail and get directed into bulk mail or junk mail folders. If you do not receive your PIN e-mail message within 24 hours, check all folders in your account. We will host a financial aid workshop in January for all parents who are interested.

As we near Christmas vacation, we are also quickly approaching the end of the first semester. Final exams will be administered during the week of December 15, 2014.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Also, please accept our best wishes for your Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,Casey DunnGuidance/Studies Coordinator

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

DisciPline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234 Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232

Attendance: Be sure to call in absences or “late-to-schools” directly to the Attendance Office at (310) 540-2021, ext. 233, or (310) 540-3070 in the mornings. We have 24-hour voice mail for your convenience. Also, a phone call does not necessarily “excuse” an absence or tardy. It merely lets us know that the parent/guardian was aware of the absence or tardy. The nature of the absence or tardy (“excused” or “unexcused”) will be determined by the Deans and Attendance Office. Refer to your Parent-Student Handbook for what constitutes an “excused” absence or tardy. Phone calls must be made the morning of the absence or the absence will be noted as “unexcused”.

Picking-up and Dropping-off Off-Campus:All parents should pick-up and drop-off their students on-campus. To avoid the last minute rush, we encourage you to arrive before 7:30AM. The traffic flow on Torrance Blvd. is heavier after this time and may affect how quickly you are able to exit the campus. If you decide to pick-up or drop-off your students anywhere else, please refrain from picking up or dropping off your students at our neighboring businesses or residential driveways as this creates an inconvenience for our neighbors. Please respect the property of our neighbors by refraining from moving trashcans, taking property, littering, or parking or pulling into our neighbors’ driveways. Also, please make sure to drop-off your students in areas that are safe and legal. We have received many reports that there have been BMHS parents or carpools speeding and/or driving recklessly on Palos Verdes Boulevard and students are being dropped-off by their parents/carpool drivers illegally by the red curb zones, in front of fire hydrants or in the middle of the street. In the interest of the safety of all pedestrians and drivers and as a courtesy to our neighbors, students should be dropped-off on campus. Students whose parents fail to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures will be dealt with on campus. The Torrance Police Department has also been contacted and they have informed us that they will be citing drivers along Torrance Boulevard, Henrietta and Palos Verdes Boulevard. It is essential to give our neighbors the same respect and courtesy that we expect from each other on campus.

Uniform: pgs. 31-34 Parent-Student HandbookWe are doing all that we can to insure that ill-fitting clothes (pants too baggy or too long, shorts too short, etc.) will not be sold to students. Students will be held accountable for any ill-fitting uniform items. Be advised that parents, as primary educators and caretakers for their children, take the final responsibility. The deans are not accepting “but-that’s-the-way-the-uniform-company-sold-it-to-us” type of excuse as a way of justifying ill-fitting clothing. As a reminder, black belts are optional; solid white, gray, or black socks are required and should extend at least 2 inches above the shoe; shirts must be tucked in at all times; hair style/color should comply with the BMHS policy. Students will be held in the deans’ office as an unexcused absence should uniform infractions not be correctable.

Cooler Weather: As the temperatures begin to cool, please remember that the Bishop Montgomery sweatshirts are the only sweatshirts that are acceptable. Also, uniform jackets & sweaters are the ONLY jackets & sweaters that are allowed (absolutely no hoods). All sweatshirts and jackets MUST be the appropriate size for your child. A uniform shirt must STILL to be worn underneath.

Trips: Bishop Montgomery does not sponsor, condone, nor accept responsibility for trips, cruises, or excursions not sanctioned by the school; There may be a current trip disguised as a BMHS “Senior Trip”. BMHS has nothing to do with organizing, sponsoring, or chaperoning any senior trip. Any student distributing fliers that advertise these trips will be reprimanded. Please refer to your Parent-Student Handbook for more information.

Detentions: Detentions are to be served by the date indicated on the violation or referral slip. The excuse of, “I never received a reminder slip” will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements for transportation if a detention is to be served. Disregard for assigned detentions will result in a referral and may lead to probation. Detentions take precedence over sports practices and school activities (Parent-Student Handbook, pg. 14).

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

No Messages: The Attendance Office and the Front Office staff do not deliver messages during the day. It is both time consuming and disruptive to classes.

Emergency Information: Does your Emergency Card need to be updated? Has there been an employment change? Address change? Telephone number change? Change in custody? Please notify the Attendance Office at (310) 540-3070.

Off-Campus Parking: Students should not be parking on the side streets off of Henrietta Blvd. Doing so creates a nuisance and an inconvenience to our neighbors. Students parking off-campus may park on Henrietta Blvd., if they choose to do so. Please remind your students to keep their valuables in the trunk area of their vehicles and to lock all door and windows.

Cell Phones on Campus: Please note that students are not allowed to have cell phones in their possession during school hours. All students must turn off their cell phones and place them in their lockers. Please be aware that students may not have their cell phones out in the classrooms or buildings during any time of the day whether it is in the morning or after school. Any student who fails to abide by the cell phone policy will have their cell phone confiscated and will be issued a referral. (Parent/Student handbook pg. 21)

Loitering: We are asking parents to please discourage your children from loitering at Wendy’s or McDonald’s before school, after school, or after any school related activities. Wendy’s and McDonald’s are places of business and should not be used as study halls. Additionally, please do not pick-up or drop-off your students at Wendy’s or McDonald’s.

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

Carpools

• After school carpool needed to Belmont Lane in Redondo Beach. Please contact Christine Homsi at 310-347-7303

• Need a carpool before and after school from 1620 w. 255th street Harbor City, 90710. Please contact Maria Borrego at 310-404-3115

• Need a carpool from the RPV area. Please contact Vanessa Long at 310-623-0810

• Need a carpool from San Pedro off of Western and 19th St. particu-larly for pick-up/drop-off in the afternoon. Please contact Ana R. Ortiz at arodds@yahoo.com, cell 310-490-1050

*If you would like to add or delete a carpool request, please email jhong@bmhs-la.org

AP EXAMS

The fee for each AP exam is $100. All students taking the AP exams must pay for the exams by Friday, February 20th. Students must submit the final payment to the Student Store by Friday, February 20th. Please note that many students are taking several exams and the complete payment is due on February 20th! Any student not paying by the deadline date of February 20th will not be allowed to sit for the exam. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!!

IMPORTANT DATES FROM THE TUITION OFFICE

TUITION ACCOUNTS:December 10, 2014h.All accounts must be current by December 10, 2014 in order for your student to sit for final exams beginning on December 15th.Any account in the arrears must pay with cash, credit card or a money order. No personal checks will be accepted at this time.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CEF December 16, 2015 CEF Workshop at BMHS from 3:33-6:30. Please call the Tuition office to schedule an appointment (310) 540-2021 extension 225. December 19, 2014 DEADLINE

CEF financial assistance applications for the 2015-2016 school year are due by Friday, December 19, 2014.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FAST January 10, 2015 DEADLINE If you do not qualify for CEF under their guidelines you may apply for assistance through FAST.

Information regarding assistance is on our website.

YEARBOOKS: January 10,2015

Yearbooks are optional and will be available to pre- purchase until January 10th, 2015.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE: It is important that you include to top portion of your statement with your payment in order to insure proper credit to your account, the only exception is for those who pay with direct payments.

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

activities: Mrs. Milana McDermott - Dean of Student Life - ext. 273

Happy Holidays! With the flurry of the fall activities behind us, I am happy to report the success of the following events and programs, and mention some upcoming activities.

Spirit Squad and Band See’s Candy Sale – October 28th to November 14th

Thank you to those who helped support our Spirit Squad and Band See’s Candy Winter fundraiser. Your candy will be delivered the week of December 1st, just in time for the holidays!

Visit Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia for an Unforgettable Experience!

There is still time to register for the trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia! This promises to be an educational, fun, and life-changing adventure. We’ll see history in action while we explore some of this country’s greatest cities. We’ll stand where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, discover the true meaning of sacrifice at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Check out the video for a quick preview!

http://dn.educationaltravel.com/destinations/washington-dc/

• Online at www.worldstridesdiscovernow.org.

• By phone – call the WorldStrides Customer Service Team at 1-800-468-5899, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• By mail – use the return envelope in your student invitation.

Trip ID # is 110554. Join us on March 12 - 15, 2015.

Contact Mrs. McDermott at mmcdermott@bmhs-la.org or (310) 540-2021 x273 for more information.

Junior Rings and Junior Ring BlessingA representative from Jostens was on campus in September to distribute junior class ring information, and to take ring orders. Junior rings will be delivered in January, before the Junior Ring Blessing on January 27th. Parents of juniors are invited to attend this special Mass. If you have any questions about junior rings, please contact Josten’s directly at 805-987-4147.

National Honor SocietyBishop Montgomery invites all eligible students to apply for membership in the National Honor Society. “The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.” Information about Bishop Montgomery’s Chapter - organization, qualifications, and requirements - can be found on the school website. Students should listen to announcements for more details and application deadlines.

We recognize these organizations, clubs, and individuals for the gifts and blessings that they share with BMHS. Through them, we are reminded that we have many interests and talents that come together to make up the very diverse and unique community of Bishop Montgomery.

Have a very blessed Christmas season!

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

athletics: Mr. Eric Wood - Athletic Director - ext. 269 Mr. Ed Hodgkiss - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 260 Mr. Arnold Ale - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 262

We are now in transition time from Fall to Winter sports…. Congratulations to all the Fall season teams who all competed at very high levels!!! Thank you to all the students, parents, families, and teachers who came out and supported the fall sports teams with their time, treasures and talents!!! Parents it is not too late to join the Boosters!! This is a great way to meet other parents of athletes, support the athletic teams, GET Service hours and to be a part of the Bishop Montgomery Community. Teams that Won LeagueFootball Girls Volleyball Girls TennisTeams that went to CIF!!!Tennis- Made it to the Semifinals !!! Congrats!!! Individuals still to compete at the time of this writing.Volleyball- Made it to the second round!!! Football- Made it to the first round!!!Golfers who made it to the first Round of CIF!!!Fall Sports Banquets will be the second week of December so look for more information to be posted and distributed.Winter sports teams are practicing hard in anticipation of their first official matches. Watch the website for updates about upcoming games and tournaments. December is a busy month with teams preparing for league in the NEW year so check your calendar and come out and support our student athletes!!!!

Keep up to date with Bishop Montgomery athletics by checking this link: http://www.bmhs-la.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=98134&type=d&pREC_ID=438152 Click under team’s page to find the sport you are interested in. You will find schedules, coaches info and much more. Check back often.Bishop Montgomery has a $100 athletic participation fee for all athletes. This is a one- time, play as many sports, as you can fee. Any athlete listed on a roster must pay this fee. This fee helps to defray some of the costs to run the athletic program. Fall sport athletes should have received a letter from the Athletic department. Winter sport athletes will receive their letter in December.See you on the Sidelines!!!Go Knights!Eric Wood- x-269 email-ewood@bmhs-la.org

2014/15 BMHS Athletic DepartmentAthletic Director Eric Wood ewood@bmhs-la.orgFootball/Assistant AD Ed Hodgkiss ehodgkiss@bmhs-la.orgAssistant AD Arnold Ale aale@bmhs-la.orgAthletic Trainer Jaime Kamiya jkamiya@bmhs-la.orgAssistant Trainer Alvin Dunn adunn@bmhs-la.orgStrength and Conditioning Carrie Rey crey@bmhs-la.orgBaseball Eric Fuller efuller@bmhs-la.orgMens Basketball Doug Mitchell dmitchell@bmhs-la.orgGirls Basketball Bridgette Reyes breyes2425@bmhs-la.orgBoys/Girls Cross Country Brian Haynes bhaynes@bmhs-la.orgBoys Golf Martin Von Kanel mvonkanel@bmhs-la.orgGirls Golf Brian Adams badams@bmhs-la.orgBoys Soccer Clive Hulbert chulbert@bmhs-la.orgGirls Soccer Martin Haynes mhaynes@bmhs-la.orgSwimming Amy Traxler atraxler@bmhs-la.orgBoys/Girls Tennis Dan Wooten dwooten@bmhs-la.org

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

Track and Field Brian Haynes bhaynes@bmhs-la.orgBoys Volleyball Kevin Norman knorman@bmhs-la.orgGirls Volleyball Keegan Featherstone kfeatherstone@bmhs-la.orgSoftball Rodney Nichols rnichols@bmhs-la.org

National Honor Society: "The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demon-strated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character." Current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who meet the initial requirement of a minimum weighted, cumulative GPA of 3.75 may apply for membership in the National Honor Society. More information about Bishop Montgomery's Chapter - organization, qualifications, and requirements - can be found under the “academics” tab on the school website http://www.bmhs-la.org.

National Honor Society

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

DeveloPment: Mr. Andy Marafino - Director of Development and Alumni - ext. 246 Mrs. Amy Traxler - Assistant to the Director of Development and Public Relations - ext. 249

Queen of Angels Tuition Assistance FundThe Queen of Angels Tuition Assistance Fund was created in 2012 in order to help current Bishop Montgomery students. Since the fund was created, over $500,000 has been donated by Bishop Montgomery parents, past parents, alumni and friends. Once again, we are asking you, our current BMHS parents, for your support of this important fund. At this point in our school year, you should have received a Queen of Angels Tuition Assistance letter from Ms. Libbon. We ask that you consider making a gift of $100. However, any gift that you are comfortable making is a blessing and will make an impact in the lives of our students.

We thank all of you who have given to this fund in the past and we look forward to your continued support.

As always, all gifts to Bishop Montgomery are tax-deductible as we are a 501 (c)(3) organization.

We thank you for your support of Bishop Montgomery and your commitment to Catholic education.

Shop at TargetAre you a Target shopper? Do you have their REDcard? Support BMHS by simply shopping at Target or Target.com and use your REDcard. Visit https://www-secure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/view-or-change and register your card and support BMHS. The Bishop Montgomery High School code is 2783. Through their Take Charge of Education program, Target will donate 1% of every purchase back to the school!

Official Bishop Montgomery ApparelAre you looking for some cool Bishop Montgomery fall weather gear for you or your kids? The official Bishop Montgomery online store has many great items and styles available for adults and kids. Visit www.bmhs-la.org and click on the link in the bottom right-hand corner of any page to purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, shorts and more! 20% or every purchase comes back to BMHS. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for you and our school!

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

PerForming arts: Mr. Eric Hankey - Instrumental and Vocal Music Director

Bishop Montgomery High School “Knight” Music Departmentincluding Knight Band and Guard, Jazz Band, Drumline, Music Ministry, Music Production, and Video Production

Barnes & Noble Bookfair on Thursday, December 11th – 3-6pm, or onlineThe proceeds from this year’s Barnes & Noble Bookfair will go toward Covenant House - and, you can help support the band’s trip to London with Band Gift Wrapping, available outside Barnes & Noble!

Great Job In The 2014 Hollywood Christmas Parade

On Sunday, November 30th, our BMHS Knight Band and Guard performed again with the Los Angeles Catholic Schools Band in the Hollywood Christmas Parade! Our 45 band and guard members marched the 3-mile parade route through Hollywood with 120 members from 9 other schools in the Archdiocese. Great job, band & guard!

Interested in going to London April 7th-12th with the Band?There’s still room on the tour! Contact Mr. Hankey for more information

Spring Ensembles 2015

In addition to the London tour, our students are preparing for all sorts of exciting performances and experiences this Spring Semester:

- Winterguard – a.k.a. Winter Colorguard- Indoor Drumline – yes, like the movie- Jazz Band – from Basie to Buble to Quincy Jones- Wind Ensemble – our largest spring group, like orchestra (without as many strings!)- Small ensembles – Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir, and Percussion Ensemble

And, in addition to performing at 2-4 competitions each, we’re challenging each group to do as many community performances as possible – we want to be seen and known! If you’re interested in having a performance of any kind at an event, please email me at ehankey@bmhs-la.org.

If you know someone who’s interested in any of these, please have them come talk to us any time in room 318 – we’re always interested in growing!

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

PerForming arts: Mr. Eric HankeyMusic Director

Upcoming Events

Friday, 12/5 – Friends and Family Night – come enjoy performances by our Band, Colorguard, and Jazz Band

Saturday, 12/6 – Jazz Combo performances at Mothers’ Club Luncheon and St. Lawrence Martyr Christmas Party

Sunday, 12/7 – San Pedro Christmas Parade

Friday, 12/26 – Band & Guard perform with Los Angeles Catholic Schools Band in San Diego’s Holiday Bowl Big Balloon Parade

Video Production Class – Call for Symposium Speakers

We are interested in bringing aspiring, working, or retired industry professionals in to speak to the students about their experiences in any of the motion picture and media-related fields. If you or someone you know would be interested in sharing their story for 30-45 minutes during a school day, please have them contact me at ehankey@bmhs-la.org. If they’re interested, but not able to appear in person, we’d be able to set up a Skype or other video chat with them, too – we’re very flexible!

“Knight Music” Booster Club The “Knight Music” Booster Club represents the Band, Jazz Band, Drumline, Music Production, Video Production, and Music Ministry. Their meetings are usually on the same Monday nights as Athletic Booster Club and Mothers’ Club, at 6:00 pm in room 318 – additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Please join them to help keep the many projects they organize rolling.

We’re always practicing, planning, and organizing, including school concerts, local performances, competitions, parades, tours, and lots of other important things – come on up any day before or after school, 6:30-6:45am or 2:15-3:00pm (although we’re often there earlier and later.) To get in touch with Mr. Hankey, please call the school, or email at ehankey@bmhs-la.org.

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

technology: John Hong - Technology Committee Chair - ext. 276 Brian Adams - Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist - ext. 272

We are currently in the process of upgrading our infrastructure. We will be upgrading the access points and switches in the first and second buildings. This will increase the speed of our wireless network and will prepare our school for our upcoming 1:1 Chromebook device program. We are using the funds awarded from the Ahmanson Foundation Grant to complete this project.

Here are some other areas that Bishop is utilizing technology:

• Bill Burch of Burch Architects visited our campus to assess our library and computer lab spaces. We discussed ambitions and needs to transform our library into a learning commons.

• We are currently applying for Category 2 E-rate funding to finish the upgrades to our wireless infrastructure. If we qualify, this program will pay 50% - 90% of the costs to upgrade our school’s wireless network.

Thank you for your continued support for the technology program at Bishop Montgomery!

Pre-order your yearbook on your upcoming tuition payment. You can pre-order your yearbook until your January tuition payment for $125. After January, the price increases to $150 and you aren’t guaranteed a yearbook. Last year, we sold out of books. Don’t get left out on all of this year’s memories!

YEARBOOK PRE-ORDERS:

2014-2015

The French classes are taking a trip to Paris, France April 6th - 13th 2015. They will spend 8 days soaking up the food, language, culture and history. Some of the notable sites that they will see are: • The Eiffel Tower• Arc de Triomphe • The Louvre• Musée d'Orsay • Les Invalides • Versailles • Chartres Cathedral • Loire Valley châteaux

Paris Tour 2015

Please help us defer the cost of this unforgettable trip by sponsoring a portion of a student's trip (contact ktutko@bmhs-la.org for details) or by donating to the trip by clicking on the GIVE NOW button at bmhs-la.org. Contributions are tax deductible and any amount would be appreciated.

Merci!

No Mothers’ Club Meeting in December! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Remember the reason

for the season!

Mothers Club is the place to be to learn about PSI hours! It’s also a great way to fellowship with other parents, learn more about the Bishop community, and get involved in your child’s education! Our first meeting of 2015 is Monday, January 26th. Why not make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to get more involved here at BMHS? Our Freshman mothers will be providing refreshments!

The 2014 Christmas Luncheon is just around the corner! We look forward to seeing many of you on December 6th! ********************************************************************************************** SENIORS: Maryann Leslie mommiehoney@msn.com Mary Frances Bertucci mfbertucci@earthlink.net JUNIORS: Tangela Brown tangelabrown@sbcglobal.net Glenda Calderon cienic@sbcglobal.net SOPHOMORES: Scott Matthews Drafton@gmail.com Cindy Quinones a.quinones@sbcglobal.net FRESHMEN: Ingrid Sharpe Ingridsharpe1@verizon.net

Sophia Kall Sophia.d.kall@kp.org

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments: JUDY TOLIN bmhsmothersclub@bmhs-la.org

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night of Honor

19 11:00am

Grades D

ue 20

21 22

23 24 Christm

as Eve 25 Christm

as Day

26 27

28 29 R

ept. Cards m

ailed/CIF eligibility 30

31 New

Year’s Eve

Final Exams

Christm

as Vacation

Christm

as Vacation

Christm

as Vacation